With FIFA 17 expected to hit the stands later this month, Canadian game company EA Sports has quietly released the mobile version of the game, called FIFA Mobile Soccer, for select Android devices. So if you go to the Play Store, you may see the option to register for the game, following which you will receive a notification the day the game shows up on your device. The final availability is likely to coincide with the launch of the FIFA 17 game for Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PC.

FIFA 17 is already available for pre-order on Amazon for ₹ 3,999 and will be delivered to users after 29 September. The FIFA Mobile Soccer is free to download like its predecessor FIFA 16 Soccer and involves in-app purchases, which allow users to build a strong team by buying top ranked players from the beginning itself instead of playing with inferior players and moving up the ladder slowly relying on the coins the game provides as rewards after every match.

What is new?

FIFA Mobile Soccer is designed to run on the most basic smartphones and tablets which makes it relevant to wider audience. The game is a lot smaller in size compared to the FIFA 16, which takes up 1.3GB of space after installation. Add a commentary pack and the file size goes up to 1.8GB. FIFA Mobile Soccer takes up slightly over 100MB after installation.

The game’s graphics is definitely a step backwards from the high quality console-level graphics of the FIFA 16. It looks more like 2013’s FIFA 14 game.

The game follows the same pattern which was kick-started with FIFA 15. You can buy players and build your team, name it and then compete in top leagues and knock out trophies. What’s different this time is the new attack mode and the training mode. The attack mode is an online multiplayer mode where you can compete against other FIFA fans in small tailor-made sessions where your job is to attack and score as many goals as possible. To play the game, one needs to be connected to an active internet network.

Like other EA games, FIFA Mobile Soccer has the license to use real player names, face, stadiums, kits and badges. The player ratings have been upgraded to look more realistic. For instance Leicester midfielder Riyad Mahrez is now rated 82 and higher than the Gokhan Inler’s 75. In the FIFA 16, Mahrez is rated 76 and Inler has 80 as his rating.

Game controls are not as smooth as the FIFA 16, and emphasis is more on using touch gestures during tutorials.

Is it worth the wait?

If you liked FIFA 16 for its likeness to the console version and more intuitive controls the new FIFA Mobile Soccer is going to feel a bit of a letdown. However, for someone with a passing interest or little free time, the game is an interesting alternative to Stick Soccer or Dream league Soccer.